Sponge Park would also act as a cohesive force within the neighborhoods surrounding the canal by stitching together public and private spaces. Many historic sites sit alongside the canal, but have been in disrepair for years. Sponge Park would rejuvenate their presence in the local community, and create new access points to the water. Officials have made it clear that the canal will never be able to be restored to its thriving 17th century state, but Sponge Park uses the same plant species and ecological systems that helped control flooding and naturally keep the canal clean.